Hot zone

Building homes on the edge of a desert one of the most challenging and dramatic landscapes in nature demands a design that stays loyal to its surroundings, while functioning effectively in a hot, dry climate.

For this Las Vegas home, part of the Stone Canyon community, inspiration came from opposite ends of the country, says Blue Heron principal Tyler Jones.

"We wanted to design and build homes that would be an alternative to the cookie-cutter, quasi-Mediterranean styles you often find in Las Vegas.

"We've chosen a look that we call desert contemporary. The exterior is influenced by the colors and textures of the nearby Mojave Desert, while the interiors are a refined take on New York-style loft condominiums."

The 23 homes each follow one of two floor plans. An integrated indoor-outdoor ambiance is key to both designs, with courtyards accessed from the living spaces by 10ft-high glass roll-over doors. Most rooms either lead directly onto the courtyards or have balconies that offer upper-story views.

"We also wanted an integrated community, so the aesthetics flow from indoors to outdoors, and from home to home," he says.

Homes were placed close to one another, so that the courtyards receive gentle indirect sunlight and the interiors are sheltered. Windows are energy efficient, and the thick walls are insulated with recycled blown cellulose.

"Stone Canyon turned out to be such a successful concept that we are developing and selling similar loft-style communities in different sizes and prices throughout Las Vegas," says Jones.

For more information, contact Blue Heron, 1508 Canyon Ledge Court, Las Vegas, NV 89117, phone (702) 304 1552, fax (702) 304 1556. Website: www.blueheronliving.com.

Story by: Trendsideas